How to Clean an Xbox Game Disc

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If your Xbox game disc isn't working properly, it may need a good cleaning. Smudges, dirt, and scratches can prevent the Xbox's laser from reading the disc's data. Cleaning the disc will only take a few moments if you have the right materials, and you can even remove light scratches using household products.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Cleaning Smudges and Grime

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid795765-v4-728px-Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Isopropyl alcohol is a powerful cleaning agent, and you can get it for cheap from most grocery stores.
    • If you don't have isopropyl alcohol, window cleaner will work as well.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid795765-v4-728px-Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Avoid touching any of the disc surface.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid795765-v4-728px-Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Microfiber is very tightly-woven, and is soft to the touch. It will pick up dirt and dust without scratching the disc's surface. [1]
    • Don't use tissue, paper, towels, or cotton to wipe the disc. These materials all pose a scratching risk.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid795765-v4-728px-Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Rotate the disc and wipe again from the center to the edge. Keep rotating until the entire disc has been wiped.
    • Wipe straight from the center instead of in circles. Wiping in circles around the disc can increase the risk of scratching. [2]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid795765-v4-728px-Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Allow the disc to air dry, but don't place it in direct sunlight. Isopropyl alcohol should only take a few seconds to dry; window cleaner may take a little longer.
    • Avoid drying with a dry cloth, as this can promote scratching.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Fixing Light Scratches

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid795765-v4-728px-Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Since toothpaste is slightly abrasive, you can use it to polish off light scratches on the surface of your disc. Make sure that it is not a whitening or bleaching toothpaste, as these contain chemicals that can damage the disc. [3]
    • Baking soda toothpaste will give the best results. Avoid gel-based toothpastes.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-7.jpg\/aid795765-v4-728px-Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You don't need much, a little smaller than a pea should be sufficient.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-8.jpg\/aid795765-v4-728px-Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Just a drop or two should be enough, you want to be able to make a paste with the toothpaste, but not turn it too runny.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-9.jpg\/aid795765-v4-728px-Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you're using your finger, make sure that you've cleaned it first to remove excess oils. Apply gentle pressure and rub back and forth over the scratch to polish it out.
    • Rub from the center towards the edge, not in a circular motion.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-10.jpg\/aid795765-v4-728px-Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Make sure that all of the excess toothpaste has been removed from the disc surface. Allow the disc to air dry after rinsing it off.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-11.jpg\/aid795765-v4-728px-Clean-an-Xbox-Game-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If the scratches are too much for toothpaste to handle, your only other option may be professional resurfacing. This is usually a pretty expensive process, and if the game is older it may be cheaper to just buy a new copy.
    • Check your local used video game, music, or movie stores to see if they offer disc resurfacing services.
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What else can I use to clean a disc without touching it?
    Florisa-Leila Ramos
    Cleaning Expert
    Florisa Ramos is a Cleaning Expert based in Leominster, Massachusetts. Florisa founded Office & Home Cleaning in 2017 and brings over 20 years of experience in the house cleaning industry. With a 5-star rating on Google, Office & Home Cleaning offers deep cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and office cleaning services. Florisa has a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree from Mount Wachusett Community College.
    Florisa-Leila Ramos
    Cleaning Expert
    Expert Answer
    Using compressed air is a great option. Just hold the can upright and give a few short bursts across the surface of the disc to blow away dust and debris. This method works well because it removes particles without the risk of scratching your disc or leaving any fingerprints. For stubborn spots, you can use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the disc, holding it by the edges to avoid touching the surface.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
  • Question
    How do I get a disc working after it's been in a house fire?
    Jackson Quesinberry
    Community Answer
    If the plastic is melted in any way it is irreparable.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 20
  • Question
    One of my games always freezes at a certain point. What should I do to fix this?
    Community Answer
    Clean the disc with toothpaste, and also clean your console's laser lens with a dedicated lens cleaner.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 13
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Fix a Scratched Video Game Disk with White Toothpaste
      How to
      Fix a Scratched Video Game Disc: Cleaning Tips & Repair Methods
      The Proper Way to Clean a Video Game Disc
      How to
      Play Original Xbox Games on Xbox 360
      5 Simple Ways to Fix Stuck Green Screen on Xbox One Console
      How to
      Fix an Xbox Controller That's Flashing or Blinking
      How to
      Take Apart An Xbox One Controller
      How to
      Open the Xbox Game Bar
      How to
      Get Download Games in the Background (While Xbox Is Off)
      How to
      Share an Xbox Game Pass with Your Family
      How to
      Pair and Use Airpods with an Xbox
      How to
      Connect Two TVs to Xbox
      How to
      Choose a Good Xbox Gamertag
      How to
      Fix a Scratched Xbox Game
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.tech-faq.com/how-to-clean-a-dvd.html
      2. ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/q-and-a/a20996/cd-dvd-cleaning-may03/
      3. ↑ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/geeks-weigh-in-can-you-fix-a-scratched-cd-with-toothpaste-nb/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 128,048 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement